The first official long summer weekend is soon upon us and if you are like me, that means gathering to enjoy great food, great drink, and even better company. Also, if you are like me, with each passing year, and the number in attendance growing, you feel the need to outbest your best. This year, I see it as year one. Fresh start, so might as well set the bar high. That "bar" will be filled with a 5 gallon pot of traditional Lowcountry Boil fare....with a hint of Cajun tradition at its best. The glasses will be filled with a toast to Spanish tradition in the form of white wine sangria. Needless to say the theme is parallel to summer, warm nights and sweet concoctions.
Sangria began its humble roots as far back as the 1700-1800's in the form of Claret Cup Punch. Claret being the British term for the French wine Bordeaux, which served as the base for this fruit and spice enhanced party favorite. Then by the powers of the 1964 New York Worlds Fair, Sangria in its modern day form was introduced to Americans. Now you can find this beautifully colored sunset cocktail in restaurants and on market shelves the world over. Whether you choose red or white wine, this simple drink adds depth, flare and a refreshing sweetness to any summer event.
This year, we have decided on tackling a large backyard Lowcountry Boil by the lake. To proud followers of this South Carolina feast, or Frogmore Stew, they hold firm to a mix of shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn and onions. Traditions are meant to skewed and so we will be adding crab claws, crawfish and perhaps even clams. Seasoning with tried and true cajun spices is key and the finishes of garlic and citrus complete the masterpiece. In the spirit of pleasing the masses with minimal work for maximum results, I've decided on a white wine sangria infused with peaches, strawberries, lemons and oranges. This drink should prove to be the perfect sweet and citrusy compliment to the lemon and spice in the seafood.
So grab your buckets, your mallets, your bibs. Then lay out under the sunset sky with your Sunset Sangria, and enjoy the only true tradition worth celebrating.....time well spent with loved ones. SALUTE!!
Lake Norman Sunset Sangria:
3 bottles Barefoot Pinot Grigio
1 cup orange liquor
1/4 cup simple syrup
1 lb. fresh strawberries, trimmed and halved lengthwise
2 large navel oranges sliced thin
3 peaches, pitted and sliced
2 lemons sliced thin
1 lime sliced thin (optional)
1/2 liter club soda (optional)
Mix Pinot and next 6 ingredients in a large serving bowl or pitcher
6-24 hours before event
Serve chilled over ice with plenty of fruit in each glass to thrill...
Garnish to wow...
ENJOY!!!
